One of our most memorable occassions of the year so far was Lucy & Lewis’ three day wedding extravaganza in the heart of London. It was a truly romantic affair with a religious ceremony on Friday at Grosvenor Chapel, Mayfair (yes, the one from that scene in Love Actually)… this was followed by drinks, a formal dinner and some fantastic speeches at The Oriental Club. On Saturday evening, many more friends and family were invited to The Pompadour Ballroom at Hotel Cafe Royal where they were entertained by the brilliant Denmark Street Big Band, as well as more wonderful speeches and musical performances, including a serenade from the groom himself. Sunday was the survivors brunch hosted at the Soho Hotel. There was a champagne breakfast and a private screening of ‘High Society’. The absolutely perfect way to end an incredible weekend!

Stefanie & Ravi’s wedding took place in one of France’s most stunning locations, the hill-top village of Gordes in the wonderfully romantic Luberon Valley. La Bastide de Gordes Hotel drops steeply down the rockface in a series of terraces bearing pools, gardens and dining areas providing multiple spots in which to take in the views which are equally as stunning as the more famous ones from the other side of the valley.

The history of the region can really be felt at the newly refurbished 5 star hotel, which is one of the main reasons why Stefanie and Ravi decided to travel all the way with their close family and friends from the states to celebrate their marriage.

A wonderfully personal ceremony conducted by Ravi’s close friend in the garden on a lower terrace included some poetic and touching readings from other friends and family and was accompanied by the sound of a Harpist laid on by the hotel as a gift to the couple.

Stefanie looked stunning in her Mark Zunino gown from Kleinfeld Bridal and Ravi really looked the part, so sophisticated in his Tom James custom suit with black bow tie. They certainly did the chic surroundings justice and made our job easy as we took a few moments for photos overlooking the valley and in the cobbled streets of Gordes.

Canapé’s and drinks were served under the heat of the afternoon sun at the other end of the gardens then dinner up on the top terrace restaurant was served as evening settled in and the sun began to set. It couldn’t have been more perfect.

Table decorations and bouquets were as beautiful as ever from the region’s finest florist, Laetitia C, giving the glass walled dining area a wonderfully natural and warm atmosphere as guests tucked into a Provençal feast before heading to party later in the night with music from the oh so slick Thomas Dusseune.

To end what has been a really great year for us, we thought we’d share some images from the other work we’ve been doing in 2015. Because on top of the weddings and numerous engagement and family photo sessions, we have also had the great pleasure of shooting regular editorial and commercial work for magazines, blogs, newspapers and various brands. Highlights include a portrait session with designer Emilia Wickstead for the Sunday Times Style, shooting Charlotte Tilbury at her home for HELLO Fashion Monthly, meeting Gethin Jones for Speedo and a short but sweet shoot with singer Ella Eyre for the awesome The Debrief. Photographing the beautiful creations of two Michelin star chef Arnaud Bignon at Mayfair restaurant, The Greenhouse certainly won’t be forgotten either. Check out our website, Cochrane/Lay for more of our commercial portrait, travel, food & lifestyle photography.

A big thank you to all of our newlyweds for being so awesome to work with this year. Here’s to 2016!

We’ve finally got round to blogging a few photos from one of our favourite weddings of the year! G&D’s big day took place high up above the Amalfi coast line in Ravello, Italy. It was our first trip to the region so we took an extra thirty six hours to explore a little. And as everyone knows who’s been to this part of the world, the scenery is breathtaking… there’s really nowhere else quite like it. Parking our little boat up in the bay at Positano for a lunch of fresh seafood spaghetti & ice cold white wine was a particular highlight. Fingers crossed we’ll make it out to Southern Italy again sometime soon because it’s a wonderful wonderful place.

In September, Kirsty & Niall dragged themselves away from a life skippering their luxury Yacht in the Caribbean for 3 days to celebrate their wedding in the heart of Provence. La Mas de la Rose was the perfect venue to host their closest friends and family for the long weekend. Planners Lavender & Rose were on hand to help co-ordinate and decorate the wedding with their truly wonderful touch, as always. Florals by Laetitia C hinted at the Scottish heritage with thistles and heather whilst keeping to a truly provençal colour palette to compliment the beautiful natural surroundings.

As winter is setting in here in London we thought it might be nice to share these pics from August when the awesome Zoe & Nik drove all the way from Provence for a shoot with us on the beautiful Basque coast. Starting off in the fishing village of Guethary, we had just enough time to get our feet wet as the sun was setting over the sea on the beach between Biarritz and Bidart, it couldn’t have been a more perfect. A great way to end our short time there.

During the heatwave that engulfed most of Europe in early July, we shot Mackenzie & Zack’s intimate wedding in Florence, Tuscany. It was a simple but joyous affair that we feel so privileged to have been a part of. The emotional ceremony was conducted by Mackenzie’s brother a top a roof terrace with stunning views over the classic skyline. Cocktails were followed by a beautiful, early evening stroll along the river and through the centre of town. The newlyweds led the rest of the wedding party (attracting a rather large number of overly enthusiastic tourists) through Piazza della Republica, past the Duomo and to Restaurant Accademia for a long evening of delicious food, heartfelt speeches and superb Italian Wine.

As promised, here are some more photos of Joakim Prat’s delicious creations for Maître Choux. We have to say, they all taste just as incredible as they look, but those dark chocolate and coffee choux are out of this world.

Earlier this summer we spent a couple of days working in Paris. The below photos are the result of a morning spent with wonderful US couple, Marissa & Mark whose wedding we cannot wait to shoot next year in the Dordogne.

Being from Biarritz myself, when I heard that the talented Basque pastry chef, Joakim Prat, had opened his first patisserie in London, I felt like I had to head over to South Kensington sharpish to sample the delights on offer at Maître Choux. Of course this meant Jonny and I couldn’t resist taking some photos too.

Joakim ended up sending us home with bags full of his favourite little treats to photograph back at home too. Pictures of these coming soon!